THINK LIKE A CHAMPION

“I tell the kids: Somebody’s gotta win, somebody’s gotta lose;

Just  don’t’ fight about it… Just try to get better.”

Yogi Berra

 

Every sports person – be it a Sprinter, Boxer, Baseball or Basketball player, Tennis or Badminton player, Cricket, Hockey, Football, Pole Vault, Horse-riding, Swimming, Cycling, Motor bike, Boat or Car race whatever be it – knows this:

1.    He has to be in his best form, and he has to, always, play to win.

2.    He can’t win in every game… Sometimes, he can lose.

3.    When he wins, he should be humble and magnanimous in victory.

4.    When he loses, he should be graceful and respectful in his defeat.

5.    Conceding defeat and congratulating the winner are part of every championship.

6.    Finally, a game is only a game; it’s not Life, or the end of it!

As a spectator, we all tend to involve intensely in the games that we watch. Yes, we take sides – root for a particular side to win. Obviously, when that side wins, we get ecstatic and when that side loses, we get dejected. But, then, do we all stay back once the game is over to watch how the winners and losers line up to shake hands and say ‘Congratulations’ or ‘Well-played’ to each other? Do we stay back to watch how the winner and the loser in a brutally-fought Boxing or MMA bout come forward to embrace each other? To me, that is the most beautiful and uplifting part of any sport!

A Champion is one who not only knows how to behave in his victory, but also knows how to behave in his defeat. As it’s said, in victory, he shows humility and magnanimity; in defeat, he shows, grace and respect to the winner. But, when they fight, when they play – yes, they fight and play to win… knowing very well, that only one side can win, not both.

I think, that’s what was taught to us early in life: You can’t be a winner all the time. That’s why such a wonderful relationship between the competitors in sports is referred to as ‘sportsmanship’. And, the one who behaves in a dignified way after his defeat is called – ‘A true sport’!

Yes, I am talking about the ‘sporting spirit’!

Well, I see no difference between winning and losing in any contest – including political elections. You, I and the whole world is watching how Donald Trump – the President of ‘the most developed’ nation in the world is behaving after his recent election loss!

Many years ago, I, too, had been hoodwinked by the titles of some of his books: ‘The Art of the Deal’, ‘How to Get Rich’, ‘Midas Touch’, ‘Never Give Up’, ‘The Way to the Top’… ‘How to Make America Great Again’ and so on. And, just before he became the President, there was this book from him: ‘Think Like a Champion’, which was supposed to provide to the readers some valuable ‘informal education on business and life’!

Of what use are those glittering Trump towers and that coveted position ‘POTUS’ – ‘President of the United States’ – if one doesn’t know how to be graceful in his loss?

I would rather be who I am and where I am!

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic.: Source unknown

 

Videos: 1. Score 90  2. ABC News